John Ruskin Essay | Essay

Analysis of John Ruskin

Summary: The following provides an analysis of the essay written by John Ruskin.

John Ruskin argues that, contrary to the efforts of many philosophers, "a peacable and rational person, whose trade is buying and selling, should be held in less honour than an impeaceable and often irrational person..." However, Ruskin constructs an argument that is essentially illogical, because of his chief assumptions and because his evidentiary support contradicts his actual conclusion.

Ruskin claims that the soldier should be given clear precedence because of its awesome risk and ultimate sacrifice; however, he overlooks all of the contrary information that he himself provides. Ruskin expresses that "the soldier's trade...being slain. This, without well knowing its own meaning, the world honours it for." While it is the ultimate sacrifice to give one's life, Ruskin claims this is a primary reason that he honours the soldier. He concedes, though, that the world honours it oblivious to the true meaning of the sacrifice. How can...